Blashill's New Gig

Posted on Thursday, June 7, 2012

Fans may raise an eyebrow at four coaching job changes in four seasons—unless it’s about hockey coach Jeff Blashill. This rising star and former Western Michigan University coach left the Broncos after the 2010-11 season to join the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach, and he’s on the move again.

Blashill was recently named the head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, an American Hockey League team and affiliate to the Red Wings. Blashill will be the ninth coach in franchise history, bringing with him an impressive coaching career.

His career as a head-coach began with the USHL’s Indiana Ice in 2008-09 where he captured a franchise-record 39 wins and a Clark Cup championship. He moved to WMU in 2010, where he led the team to their best conference finish since 1995-96, a spot in the CCHA championship game and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Named by several collegiate hockey media sources as the National Coach of the Year after his Bronco season, Blashill is clearly ready to get back in the saddle as head coach.

Ken Holland, Red Wings GM, and Dan DeVos, Griffins co-owner, president, and CEO, praise Blashill’s knowledge of the teams and are excited for him to work with the players on the Griffin team.